Mystery of Iniquity #2 Bro. Lee Vayle Erie, Pa. March 1972 See iniquity dwells on the message, not a thumb-nail sketch really, but, sort of a general understanding of the mystery of iniquity, which we will cover yet today. But, I want to take the subject from the viewpoint of actually, what a mystery is, in order to help us have the better understanding of what Revelation 10:7 actually amounts to. And I think with that thought in mind, this afternoon we’ll cover a strong portion of the actual mystery of iniquity, itself. But let’s bow our heads first in a word of prayer. Gracious Heavenly Father, again we say how grateful our Lord to come together. You’ve allowed us, O God, perhaps only eternity will really evaluate how great a privilege it is to have been granted us, we could be in this home and study Your Word together, Lord. And now Father we pray, that It shall be illuminated to us by the Holy Spirit. We’re looking to You O God, to do this for us. We know, Lord, it’s got to be like You said in Your Word, that a man plants a seed and it comes up. He doesn’t understand how it works. But, in that seed, lies the full possibility, potential of a harvest. which it will come forth, because it has been given to that very end. So, we’re believing, Lord, that this Word which You’ve given us by the prophet will be watered by further instruction, and revelation. And will come forth into a harvest. Help us now, Lord, to be very quiet and sweet, and humble. Sweet within ourselves, and just open to receive truth. Knowing that all words have been given us, has power in It. And not one Word, is void of power. “A man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” [Mt 4:4] Not daring to change one Word, but having It the way iI was meant to be, and this is going to do something for us. It will build us up in the most holy faith, and make us one with You. Until like Enoch, we can walk down that road and will not be, because You will take us. We’re depending on that, Lord, and banking on it. On nothing else, O God, we’re dedicated and sold out to the Message, and may Your Name be glorified by It. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 1. Now, I want to read as I read last night, though not for a text, I want to read the whole twelve verses now of 2 Thessalonians 2: again. To bring us into the context of the text, the subject ‘Mystery of Iniquity’. (1) Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, Again, I would believe that word in the Greek, is ‘kai’ which means; even. (1) Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, (even) our gathering together unto him, (2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. (3) Let no man deceive you by any means: … In other words, don’t let anything at all deceive you. (3) …for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God (sits) in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (5) Remember (you) not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? (6) And now (you) know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. (7) For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (8) And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: (9) Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (10) And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they believe (the) lie: Not ‘a’ lie, but ‘the’ lie. (12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2. Now, in verse 7, It says: ‘For the mystery of iniquity doth already work:’ Now, the mystery of iniquity, is one of the great mysteries of the Bible, of which there are several. And I don’t know that we can actually number them, such as 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 and so on. But it’s one of the great mysteries of the Bible, and we studied it a bit last night. But, will continue now this morning. And as we do, let us first of all consider what a mystery is. This might be important, because you’ll be reading your Bible, and you’ll find many places where the word ‘mystery’ is in it. I think there is…I think there’s a possibility that I counted one time, about twenty-one mysteries in the New Testament. But I really can’t remember now, I didn’t make any notes on it, but there are many mysteries in the Word. And it’s good to study exactly, what basically a mystery is. Now, first of all, it is certainly not something about which we can know nothing, or there would be no point in even mentioning it. Now, many people read the word ‘mystery’, and say, “Well, this is something I can’t know anything about, because it’s a mystery.” Now, this is ridiculous. Otherwise why would it be mentioned? It might be saying something like this…"well, you know the Bible mentions there is a new birth." What is the new birth? Nobody really knows. I can’t find out? No. Wouldn’t that be silly for that to be in the Bible? So, a mystery is not something that by which nothing can be known. Neither can it mean to be something so mysterious, that it cannot be comprehended. You say, “Well, what about this new birth? That’s a mystery.” Yes, it is, but I tell you a thing about it. It’s there in the Bible, and I can tell you what the Bible says. But there’s no use in doing it because, you’ll never understand it. Now, wouldn’t that be ridiculous? For you see, a mystery is not something which cannot be known, and it is not something which cannot be understood. That would be impossible. 3. Paul explains exactly what a mystery is. Now, that’s in Romans 16:25. So, let’s go to Romans 16:25 and read It the way the King James Version says It, and I’m going to break It down in to a very liberal translation. All right? (25) Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, Now, it was something that was kept secret. But it is no longer a secret. See? And according to the literal translation, you might find this in your own margin…It says…"not which was kept secret, but which has been kept in silence, through eternal ages." Now, let me read it according to liberal translation here: “Now to ONE (capital O-N-E), who is a power to establish you according to my gospel. Even the proclamation concerning Jesus Christ, according to the uncovering of the mystery, which during eternal times has been kept in silence. But now, has been made known.” (Notice the language. It was kept in silence. It’s a mystery that has been made known) “through prophetic writings, according to the mandate of the eternal God. Having been made known with a view to the obedience of faith, among all nations, to God alone wise, through Jesus Christ, to Him be glory for ever and ever. ” 4. Now, you notice in here, about the mystery. The uncovering of the mystery, was during eternal times, has been kept in silence, but now has been made known. And you know that all the time when that speaks of being made known in the Greek, it’s a revelation. And it’s made known through prophetic writings. "So therefore, though it was in eternal ages it has always been in Scripture. And it’s made known, according to the mandate of the eternal God. Having been make known…in other words, it’s a command of God, that this mystery has now been released and made known, according to the mandate of the eternal God. Having been made known, with a view to the obedience of faith, among all nations." Now, how can you have obedience of faith in something you don’t have any understanding of? You see? Now, he tells you, that the eternal Word, …which is God’s foreknowledge, now that’s what eternal Word is, it’s God’s foreknowledge. Because this Book, this entire Word, was in the mind of God. It had to be. It’s the blueprint of salvation, and man’s and God’s relationship to all the eternal ages and so on. It’s the blueprint to God. God’s eternal Word, it’s God’s foreknowledge. So, he tells you the eternal Word, or God’s foreknowledge, can be made known. He says it has been made known, and it is absolutely knowable. 5. Now, let’s go and prove this. That there is nothing so mysterious, about a mystery as people try to tell us. Ephesians 3:1-7 (1) For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, (2) If (you) have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: The entire dispensation of the grace of God to the Gentiles, was given to Paul. Right? (3) How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; … Well, if you had the mystery revealed, it’s no longer a mystery. See? (3) How that by revelation (God) made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Because, I told you that mystery. (4) Whereby, when (you) read (that mystery, you) may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.) 6. Now, Paul was communicating to him in such a way, that they knew that he had this abundant knowledge of the mystery of Christ. (5) Which in other (generations) (the word ‘ages’ is wrong, other generations) was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; He’s telling you right here, that he’s got a fuller revelation than was ever given to anybody. And this fuller revelation given by Paul, is fuller than was ever given in any other age. Do you follow me? Keep that in mind for this age, then. Same thing could happen. Right? (6) That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (7) Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Now, with that we go to Colossians 4:3 Paul said. (3) Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: Now this, was Paul preaching the gospel. And it’s a mystery of Christ, and he is in bonds for it. And he is going to utter it. 7. Notice now, also in1 Corinthians 4:1 (1) Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now, what is a steward? A steward is a man who takes care and dispenses that which belongs to another. So therefore, Paul is dispensing the Gospel, or the mysteries of God, and he is a steward. He is a faithful minister to It. Also, in 1 Corinthians 13:2 (2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, … So therefore, you can see that mysteries here are intelligible, they are understandable, they can be revealed, and they are absolutely knowable to us. Now, the students of religious history, and which history of course, dealt with the time of the apostle Paul, have this to say about the mystery. Among the ancient Greeks, the mysteries were religious rites. And ceremonies practiced by secret societies, into which anyone who so desired may be received. Those who were interested in these mysteries, became possessors of certain knowledge, which was not imparted to the uninitiated. And was called…they were called the ‘perfected’. They were called the perfected, because they received a certain mysterious knowledge. The Rosicrucian's do the very same thing right today. You join them, and you can get their knowledge, which is supposed to be something wonderful, to give you a perfection and so on. Now, this is what was going on in the days of Paul. And so therefore, the language being a vernacular language, that’s the original Greek in the Bible is a vernacular today, that’s driven by Scofield, if you want to write his book, the Bible was true. It's very interesting, and he proves the vernacular Greek was the language of the day, contrary to what Lamsa said, although there could’ve been the Aramaic, at the same time. This is the vernacular, and expressing the fact of the mystery. In other words, it is a knowledge. A revealed knowledge to the people, that bring them into the realm of the perfect. See? 8. Paul mentions the same things. I will show you in 1 Corinthians 2:1-10 (1) And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. Now, over here he’s saying, he declared the mystery of God. Here it is, the testimony of God. Same thing. (2) For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (3) And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. (4) And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: In other words, he said, what I brought you, as the testimony of God, my truthful and infallible ministry. (5) That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. And you know what the power of God is, It’s Christ, the power of God. (6) Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: … Notice? The very words that history teaches us, it’s on to perfection, are perfected, and the mysteries. See? Now, who are the perfect? They who have the understanding of the Word, that was to be delivered to them. So, he said, (6) Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 9. This is not the mystery that’s given by those that are outside the Gospel. Remember, there are many of them, they had their oracles of Delphi, they had Marcus who was a prophet in his day. And they had everybody like they’re running around now, too. But he said, “I am giving you the unadulterated truth. Because anything else, will come to nought.” That’s right. If it isn’t, the revealed, imparted Word of God, that you’re resting on, anything you’re resting on, and hope on, will not come to pass. See? Now, that’s these other mysteries, did that. But Paul in contradistinction is saying, “What I am giving you now, is going to come to pass.” (7) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, … See, these others are nothing but clubs and lodges, and organizations. The Methodist church was a Rosicrucian organization, so to speak. Could well be. I don’t know how they differ. You’ve got the Unity cult. You’ve got your Jehovah Witness cult. Not, trying to make us anybody, but let’s face it. We alone, stand on a vindicated Word. Now that`s just plain blunt, unvarnished fact, and I'm not going to change. I’ve got no intention of changing, anymore, than the apostle Paul. At least I wouldn’t class myself in his position, but I mean, that’s my stand on the Word. (7) (Howbeit) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: (8) Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Now remember, He’s got to be crucified a second time. So, will they know it? They won’t know it. (9) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 10. Now, let’s compare that with Galatians 1:11-12 (11) But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel (I thought it was a mystery, the testimony) which was preached of me is not after man. (12) For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Now, he is saying here, “I’ve got my own club the club, is the Bride of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, I have been brought into this club. And I have been taught the secrets of Almighty God, by Jesus Christ Himself. And these same mysteries, I’m going to pass on to you, and I do pass on to you the mysteries, that you may understand them, through my testimony, through my preaching, which is the Gospel that God gave me.” (See?) Now, do you understand that? It’s just that simple. 11. Now, don’t forget what we read over here in Romans 16: And we’ll just go back and read It for you again because, this is what he’s talking about. Telling you how he got into this mystery. And he is one of the perfect. Because you become perfect, when you know the truth. See? That’s strange, but, that’s just the way it is. [Romans16:] (25) Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, (even) the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept (in silence, through eternal ages.) Well, it was kept, but it is no longer kept in silence. The mysteries then have been brought out. Now, you can thus see, what the mysteries are. They are the revealed truth of the Word of God to the Elect. Now, this is my understanding as I gather it by reading Scripture. That a mystery, is the mysteries of God, are the revealed truths of the Word to the Elect. 12. Now, you might see this over here in the Book of John 3: an illustration when Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus. Nicodemus came in verse 3, and said, (3) Jesus said, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Unless a man is born again, he absolutely cannot see the kingdom of God. It is not there to be seen. It’s a mystery, it’s completely veiled. And once you’re born again, then the Spirit of God can begin to teach you the truth. (4) Nicodemus (said…), How can a man be born when he is old? (How can I join this club?) can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? (5) Jesus answered, … Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (7) Marvel not that I said …(You) must be born again. (8) The wind bloweth (he’s explaining now, the rebirth…the Spirit brings us where He willeth) and thou hearest the sound (of His voice) … In other words, here is a thought of the Spirit’s… revealing Himself. (8) …but (thou) canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. It’s absolutely unique in the curious thing that happens to a man. (9) Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? (10) Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 13. Now, he was a master of Israel, and didn’t know them…wrong club. Belonged to the wrong club…worshipping God, standing for traditions. But, he didn’t understand these things. See? He wasn’t in the knowledge of it, had he understood it, he would have been one of them. (11) Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and (you) receive not our witness. The very same thing as Paul said. I’m testifying, giving a testimony to God. I saw Him out of due season, I know these things by revelation. (12) If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how (should you) believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? (13) And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, … What came down? The Word came down. (13) …even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14. Now, John 3:27 (27) John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from (above). You can see here that they’ll be knowledgeable in the things of Almighty God. You definitely have to have them revealed by the Spirit. They're in here by the Scripture, it’s the blueprint, it’s the foreknowledge of Almighty God. It’s the great doctrinal truth of the Bible. But, you will never understand It, and get It, unless you’re born of the Spirit of God. It’s got to be revealed to you. Now, don’t forget to put the emphasis on revelation, like I’m doing. So, you can coordinate what I’m saying, with what Bro. Branham taught, when he used Scofield’s definition. Because he did. He used the Scofield definition of a mystery. A mystery said Scofield, "is a mystery in Scripture is the previously hidden truth, now divinely revealed." And it’s no longer hidden. But, in which, a supernatural element remains despite the revelation. See? We might as well admit that this is what makes the believing Elect a pure fool, and deceived to the non-elect. This very Scripture, this very thought as Bro. Branham brought it. I repeat it. This is what makes them the Elect, appear to be deceived and fooled to the non-elect. You can’t explain a mystery with perfect understanding to the natural mind. It is a revelation, and we see it is by the Spirit of God, not by the spirit of man. In other words, no man convinces you, and you understand, and get it, the way God intended it. Except you have the Spirit of God, a man can’t do it. 15. John 16:12-13 (12) I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. That’s right. Jesus could’ve sat down with his disciples, and told them absolutely everything and they’d have said, “That’s fine, that’s fine, that’s fine.” And it wouldn’t have done them any good. Why? Because they couldn’t take it. See? It's just like a teacher coming in from high school into grade three, and try to teach them algebra. See? I could tell you a lot of things, but you'll not get it. Little kid might say, “Well, tell us about that algebra.” See? It wouldn’t work. Couldn’t possibly work, because there’s nothing there to make it work. The child doesn’t have what it takes. So, it is here, he says, you don’t have what it takes, so I can’t tell it, I’m wasting my time. (13) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: (there you are…all truth, all the mysteries) for he shall not speak of himself; … Notice, that’s what Paul said, “The testimonies, all truth, all mysteries, testimonies of Jesus, not he himself. (13) …but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew things to come. (14) He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (He shall show it unto you, (see?) make it known.) (15) All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and (show) it unto you. 16. Now, we might also note, or notice, that when Paul talked about these mysteries, their revelation to the Bride, was based upon certain conditions. See? But before we go into these conditions, we should understand thoroughly what a mystery really is. Actually, my understanding then, from the Word of God which I’ve studied on this subject is, that it equates to doctrine, that’s what it actually is. The mysteries of God, are the doctrines of the Word. God’s wisdom or truth, transmitted to man, in order that he may comprehend as far as his human limitations will allow, the Spirit of God to reveal it to him. Now, we can get this very plain here. It’s just what Bro. Branham said. No matter how deep you go in the subject, and how well you understand it, and how much you accept it by faith, there is always something in there, that you cannot plumb the depths of what the revelation is all about. You can’t do it. You notice how many times Bro. Branham would fall short in being able to explain the thing to us. That’s not to be looked at in any view of criticism. Because why is it we’ve got such a time reading Paul the apostle? See? It just isn’t possible, for a person, to ever be able to approach the human mind, with an absolute, perfect understanding, like you can take and build a motor, or build a house, it just doesn’t work that way. But yet, there is enough understanding, illumination there that you have a perfect faith and confidence, and you know what the Scripture is teaching. This is why Bro. Branham said the element of the supernatural remains. Even with the very clearest of teaching. Now, so what is it? The mysteries of God, are really the doctrines in the Word, which are revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. Such doctrine, was in the blueprint of Almighty God, in the eternal ages kept in silence, but brought to us by the prophet in this Word. And notice what Paul said, “That there are times when the revelation becomes clearer, than at other times.” We’ll discuss that too. And we said, there were conditions. 17. Now, let’s look at those conditions now, concerning the giving of the mysteries. First of all: Number one: only…men who are gifted by God, can bring any revelation to the Elect. Now, that’s the first thing to understand. Only those who have the gift of God, can bring a revelation to the Elect. Over here in Ephesians 3: we’ll read this. (3) How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Where that letter went, we never did find it. The Ephesian church had two letters, you can tell right here, Paul wrote letters to them. (4) Whereby, when (you) read (this epistle), (you) may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) (5) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; In other generations, this which I am telling you, Paul said, was not made known. But it is now made known by the apostles and the prophets. What apostles? The original twelve. By the original. (6) That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (7) Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. In other words, Paul became a minister of these mysteries, because he was given a special gift by the Holy Ghost. Which this could only be given, to apostles and prophets. The revelation then comes by a certain specific, gifted type of individual. And by nobody else. 18. Now, in 1 Corinthians chapter 4, which I read to you before. Paul the apostle said, (1) Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Not just a minister of Christ, but a steward of the mysteries. In other words, he was given the mysteries to dispense for the welfare of the One who had the mysteries. Who has the mysteries? Christ has. So therefore, Paul was to dispense the mysteries. Now, as I mentioned in here, in Ephesians 3:7 Paul was gifted to bring us the entire revelation originally. Now notice, the same course extends through Seven Church Ages. There is no change. 19. The very same voice of Christ is given to the Bride, in Revelation 2: and 3: Which you all know. Verse 1. (1) Unto the (messenger) of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith…(What? Christ.) And what’s He going to do? He’s going to bring the mysteries. And He’s going to reveal what there is to that age. Verse 8. (8) And unto the (messenger) of the church (which is) in Smyrna… Verse 12. (12) And to the (messenger) of the church in Pergamos… Verse 18. (18) And unto the (messenger) of the church in Thyatira … The church in Sardis, the church in Philadelphia, and the church in Laodicea. Every single one of these, is a recipient of the mystery which is the revelation of the Word of God for that day, is given to a certain specific gifted person and to nobody else. These men are the ministers of God, but above being ministers, they are stewards of the mystery. And remember, a steward is a man who is hired by another man to take care of his goods, and to dispense it properly. Follow me? All right. So therefore, they are certain gifted people. Now, they are the ones to whom are entrusted, the mystery, the doctrine, the revelation, of Almighty God for the Ages. That’s the first thing. 20. Secondly: only gifted men, can separate and coordinate, the truth for the Bride. To simply know each mystery allows contradictions of the Word. And the Bible cannot fight the Bible. The whole Word must be reconciled, by having one working body of truth. Now, notice what I said here, many people can go to the Word and study. And they’ll say, “Now the Bible, says, ‘Look here’, the Bible says, ‘When a man is born again, he cannot be lost.’” Yet, it says something over here. What you do, is a Baptist, fighting a Methodist. See? Now, there’s one thing in the Bible to understand. That only a truly gifted person, will be able to make the Bible come out right. There’s nobody else can get it. Always, there’s going to be a fight. These people fighting each other. But there is a Bible cannot fight the Bible, it is a coordinated body of truth. 21. Now, let’s go to, Romans 11:25 (25) For I would not, brethren, (you) should be ignorant of this mystery, lest (you) should be wise in your own conceits; … In other words, by your own thinking, by your own study, you’re going to come to a wrong conclusion. I’m going to tell you something right now. He said, “Israel is not lost, it’s blinded.” See? (25) ... blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles…come in. Now, Paul is showing you here, that there is a great danger, of the Word of God, fighting the Word of God. Or a man being able to misunderstand the Word, and thereby, wrongly dividing It. Which is havoc, which we showed you. 22. Now, there are not many true leaders in the world, to bring us the Word of God. Over in Ephesians 4:11, It says here, "when Jesus ascended up on high," [verse 8] (11) …he gave some, apostles; prophets; (teachers;) evangelists; and pastors; That’s how they’re numbered in 1 Corinthians, and also Bro. Branham put it that way. Putting the church in order. Apostles; prophets; teachers; evangelists; and pastors. For the perfecting of the saints. Now, where does perfecting come in? He said, “Amongst those who are perfect, those are the initiated ones, to whom the Word of God has been revealed.” So therefore, for the revealing of the Word of God to the Bride, God has set within the church, the apostles; the prophet; the teacher; the evangelist; and the pastor. And then He allows to be added, an elder who can teach, if he’s qualified. And a deacon, who’s a policeman, who does not teach. He also, has to be qualified. (13) (Until they) all come in the unity of the faith, (even) the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, (unto) the measure of the stature of (fulness of) Christ: (14) That we henceforth (shall be known) no more children, tossed to and fro, carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (and so on. See?) So, you can see here, that God has not allowed anybody to be a true teacher, a true…because they’re all teachers. Apostle, prophet, they’ve all got to be, the same Word of God. See? They are all in the body of Jesus Christ. 23. Now, with this, notice in Matthew 7:15 (15) Beware of false prophets, (Peter said, “They are teachers also.”) which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (16) (You) know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Now, how do you get fruit off a sheep? See? Remember how I taught you all this, and showed you this here is the most ridiculous way to say a thing. Suddenly he talks about sheep, and then he talks about a vine, then he talks about a tree. For you'll make up your mind what he’s talking about. I’m talking about the same thing. See? False prophets are false shepherds. They act like Christians, they look like Christians, they do the same thing, they talk the same way. Then It says here, a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit. And Bro. Branham categorically stated in 'The Anointed Ones At the End Time' [65 07 25] “This was speaking of those that had the wrong Word.” What are they? They’re not true teachers. They are not true to the body of Christ. See? They’re not the gifted men of God, who coordinate the truth of the Word for the Bride. They can’t do it. You’ll never find them saying the same thing that the apostle Paul said. And you won’t find them saying the same thing that Bro. Branham said. See? 24. Now, keep that in mind, and turn to Hebrews 13:7 (7) Remember them which have the rule over you, … Remember when Jesus spoke to Peter, He said, “Feed my sheep, feed my sheep, feed my sheep.” That’s absolutely wrong translation. It’s rule my sheep, feed my sheep, rule my sheep. (7) Remember them which have the rule over you, (what kind of a rule?) who have spoken unto you the word of God: … The rule is by the Word of God. That’s right. So therefore, every preacher, I don’t care who he is, takes authority over the people by whatever he preaches. See? 25. Now, with that in mind, we go to the Book of Acts 20:30 (30) Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (See?) Now, only the gifted men of God, the truly ordained; apostles; prophet; teachers; evangelist; pastor; can ever coordinate the Word of God. It will never come out any other way, than by these men. They are gifted of God. And they have the revelation, and they teach the revelation to the people. And anybody else, will do what? They will draw disciples to themselves. Whereas the truly ordained will draw disciples to the Word which is Christ. Never makes you a follower of himself. He doesn’t have to talk about himself, or anything else, it’s just that Word. See? Now, surely, the mysteries of God, are for edifying the Bride. And were never intended of the Lord, to be for judging, or whipping. However, they do correct and they guide the Elect. 26. Now, let’s go over here and we’ll see this in 1 Corinthians 13: remember, these are mysteries, not for…just remember now, these are mysteries. [omit] (2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not (love), I am nothing. (See?) Now, many people use the Word of God as a club. Bro. Branham said, “A man that would do that is a hypocrite.” You don’t use it as a club to line people up. You don’t use it in order to force issues with them. You simply teach the Word of God, and let it lie there. 27. Yet, remember what It says over here in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. See? It’s the Word that does it, not the person, if the Word is handled right. (16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, … What did Paul say? The mystery of the revelation was given unto him by inspiration. What is it for? (16) … (It) is profitable for doctrine, (that’s teaching), for reproof, (that’s if you’re doing it wrong. It’ll bring you up short with it.) for correction, (if you’re off the course, he’ll correct you.) for instruction (to give you true knowledge. For what is it?) … (instruction) in righteousness: That’s what we talked about last night. Righteousness, in contradistinction to unrighteousness. See? (17) That the man of God may be perfect, (what’s going to do this? The proper teaching of the Word of God.) …thoroughly furnished unto all good works. All right. Was Cain furnished unto good works? No, sir. He divided the Word wrong. See? No matter what he did, wouldn’t count. Because he had a wrong division. See? It’s the wrong division here. So, the Word of God is given to edify the Bride. And is not intended for whipping, and judging, and a club. However, it will do all the things that It says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. 28. Thirdly: notice, that, 1 Corinthians 13:2 which he said, “Though I have all revelation,” … I’m nothing without love. Makes it very clear that Christ’s Church, is not based on the teaching, handed down by the fathers, until you could have a letter perfect, dissertation on the Word, as Paul taught it. But it must be by a revelation from Jesus Christ, in order for the very life to be in the individual. Knowing this Word therefore, if you could check it, as Bro. Branham taught it, and memorized every tape, it wouldn’t do you any good, unless you were filled with the Holy Ghost, and receive what the prophet was saying as the very life of which he received It. It is not by the letter, it is by the Spirit. 29. Fourthly: the mystery of God, the mysteries of God, which are foolishness to the world, must be proclaimed with boldness. There is no shame in preaching what others repudiate or hate. Let’s go to Ephesians 6: here. Remember the mysteries, the doctrine, the revelation, that lies and runs through the Word of God. Taught to us by the Holy Spirit. They’re the doctrines of God. All right, verse 19, chapter 6 of Ephesians. (19) And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (See? To make known the mysteries.) 30. Colossians 4:2-3 (2) Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (3) (With all) praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: Notice, the Word of God must…you must take a very bold stand for. You don’t compromise. Bro. Branham preached, that came to him…remember the sermon he preached on it? And it all boiled down to ‘Are you ashamed of this Message?’ Or can you take it in the light of the Trinitarian dogma that’s going on today. Can you stand up…see? …in the very fact, of the mystery of Christ, the fullness of the Godhead, bodily. Which I don’t care how deep you go into it, you will always hit a dead-end. You’ll never explain how there’s one God, to any human mind. You can’t do it. All you can do it believe it. It’s revelation, and you get a hold of it. You just know it. There’s no problem. But, you’ll never make anybody see it. You can’t do it, it's a revelation. Now, the thing is, you’ve got to stand with boldness, yet, humility. Not argue and fight, but you’ve got to take a stand today, in the face of a minister like Bro. Branham. 31. Now, Bro. Branham himself, was a paradox. A great paradox. Because with a ministry of his size, he was one of the least effectual men that the world’s ever seen, outside of Jesus. He was a bigger flop than Bro. Branham. See? Tremendous paradox. If you’re going to look at what’s going on, in any of these, you’re going to find, that organization without God, will lick the pants off of the thought of anybody that really has God, when it comes to producing. But God’s not in the production business. As Bro. Branham said, “He could create fleas, until everyone drowns in fleas and gnats.” God’s not interested in creativity, that takes a creation, God’s interested in true creation. See? So, when you look at these mysteries here, and you understand that there is a certain boldness, that’s got to be taken, every time there is a revelation from God. And you’ll look like a fool to the world. See? So that’s where the Bride, gets a lot of her abuse. There is no shame in preaching what others repudiate. Although they may try to shame you. Notice, God has to give us help. 32. Paul said, “Pray that I might be anointed to do this.” In other words, the bread without the oil, is a waste. That’s right. Unless the loaf was anointed, you just get the loaf. The Bible here is no different from Quran. [Koran] And I mean that it’s not in the sense that it’s the same man that wrote it all. I’m just saying, that you know that this Book here, simply from a pedantic viewpoint, or the mental viewpoint, is of no great moment. In fact, it’s much more confusing than even what Confucius said. It’ll give you less light many times. But to have the reality, it must be anointed. The oil must be poured upon the bread. It’s got to, that’s the Word of God. The bread was never, far as I know, was never off without the oil. It’s got to be anointed. So, this Word must be anointed. And there must be no fear in it. You study, you know what I’m talking about now. All you’ve got to remember in your own days, is when the Pentecostals first came on the scene, speaking tongues is the evidence. Now of course tongues as the evidence is not true. We know that. But I’ll tell you one thing, they did have some reality. They didn’t have it all…they couldn’t, because it wasn’t the day. But notice, how everybody hated them. Oh man, I tell you what, they got up on those street corners with their tambourines and their mandolins and guitars or trumpets, and they…still, just like the Salvation Army. They took a stand, and nobody could scare them off of the street corner. It wasn’t too many years ago in Texas, even when they had a brush arbor, [religious meetings] they’d stand with their guns cocked. Some of those guys would kill a Christian, just as look at him. See? Why? It wasn’t because the people weren’t good people. They were the cream of the crop. It was the hogs out there, didn’t know. See? Hated the Word of God. See? Now, the Word must be preached boldly. But It’s got to have the anointing of God. There's a lot of guys preaching boldly...look at your Jehovah Witnesses, man they’ve got much more energy you might say, than an elephant has. So, what are they doing? No anointing on it. See? It’s got to be a Word of God taken without shame, with fearlessness, preach It, but, It must be anointed. 33. All right. Fifth point: it is evident that the mysteries will not scatter or separate the Bride, but bring her together. Now, watch this one right here. Oh yeah, right here is what they hate. They say, “Well now, why don’t you stay with us? Why do you want to scatter us? (See?) Why should you preach something that is going to split us?” See? For, well the Bride never gets scattered by It. She’s all gathered by It. Let’s go to Colossians 2:1-7 (1) For I would that (you) knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them (that are) at Laodicea, (that’s you and me) and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; (that’s us, we never saw Paul. We’re going to get the same gospel, though.) (2) (Now listen) That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; What is the mystery of those three? They are all one. (3) In whom are hid all the treasures (and) wisdom and knowledge. (4) And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. (5) For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, (what Spirit? Spirit of God.) joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. (6) As (you) have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk (you) in him: (7) Rooted and built up in him, and (established) in the faith, as (you) have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. (See?) What is it? It’s the gathering of the Bride, by the mysteries, the revelation of God. Why? Because the church is built upon a revelation. See? 34. All right. With this remember, 2 Thessalonians [2:] now. I like this here, because, this is what I discovered in the Greek, and Bro. Branham already told us in English, by the Holy Spirit. (1) Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, Bro. Branham said, the gathering was in page 106 in the Seals chapter, in verse 5, paragraph 5, “That the gathering is an end time message.” The gathering. 35. Let’s prove it. Over here in Matthew 23:37 (37) O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, … Now, what’s often? Often, is several times. All right, when does God gather His people? Gathered them once in His first Resurrection, when He came up out of the ground Himself. He gathers us together. What? In the next half of the first Resurrection. But that’s not true. He gathers His children of every Age, in every generation, and how does He do it? By prophets, and whoever He sends. Because remember, the Seven Church Age messengers, are not all prophets. He gathers them by the Word. [Matthew 3:] (34) … behold, I send unto you (He said) prophets, and wise men, and scribes: … 36. What’s a prophet? He brings the Word of God. What’s a scribe? He writes the Word of God. What’s a wise man? He takes what the prophet said, and expounds on it. He said, “I sent this to gather you.” So, what do the mysteries of God do through the Word? They, gather the Bride to Christ. And nothing else can do it. That’s why Peter said, “Being born again, not of corruptible sperm, but the incorruptible sperm.” [1 Pet 1:23] What… is sperm? The very seed and life of the individual, being passed on. And the woman gives it the body. Now, it’s not quite that simple, but keep it that simple. I’ll try to explain it someday, how it works. In the meantime, I don’t know if I’m quite clear enough on the subject myself, though I think I am. Plenty clear enough on it to explain it. But remember, it’s the seed of Abraham, not of Sarah. Sarah, gave it the body. You see? So therefore, the Word takes on It’s own body, which are the Elect out here. And they come by the Word. They’re born again, into the Kingdom of God, through the Word. And there’s no other way you’ll ever get in the Kingdom, except by the Word. No, that’s right. Let’s face it. Can’t do it. That’s why the heathen, have the Gospel preached to them as Bro. Branham said, “In the Millennium.” You’ve got to come up in the White Throne Judgement, and there the Gospel comes and you still come by it, even though you’re judged by works. See? Watch, the revelation is there. Everybody, follow it? All right. That’s true. 37. Now, Sixth point; no true minister of the mysteries, will use his office in anyway, except for the sake of the Word to the Elect. He’ll never make a following for himself. Won’t do it. In other words, that you’ll find here, these people that have the true Word of God, will not be club joiners. They won’t be ‘hale fellows, well met’, they won’t be ‘back scratchers', and ‘ear ticklers’, and everything else. It won’t work, it hasn’t got it. They only have one ministry, and that’s their duty and their loyalty to the Word of God. And as Bro. Branham said, “My loyalty is to the Word of God. I have one hope that I may be dressing the Bride of Christ.” Getting her ready. All right. This is found in 1 Timothy. Everything has got to have Scripture, or we’re not going to quote it to you. 1 Timothy 3:9 (9) Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 38. In other words, why am I preaching this Word? What am I handling It for? Why do I come and tell you certain things? Do I come and tell you certain things to get a hold on you? I’m not speaking of myself. I’m speaking of a ministry. Would I come, or a minister come in order to gather the tithes and the offerings and make all the money he can? Would he do it on order to say, “Well I’ve got a great following, and my, the people sure love me there.” That’s nice. But I’ve never had to worry about people’s love. I appreciate it. And I want to love people too. But to me, this is a very insignificant thing. Because Paul said, “The more I bring you the truth, the less I am loved.” So, if I go out and try to find people’s love in a ministry trying to find love, then what happens? You’d be hurt. The apostle Paul was hurt, Bro. Branham was terribly hurt when people didn’t love him. Me, I don’t say I’m terribly hurt. I might terribly…I might get mad. [BV chuckles] That being my nature. You know, sort of a sour grape to you. But, this business of, you know, of you love me and I love you. It’s… this is not some kind of a club we’re in. The minister has the love for the Word, and the desire to see the Word planted. And if the people get It, and love that Word, then said, “Praise God that’s It.” Anytime Bro. Branham or anyone even taken the Word or looking at the Word, trying to find the Word, like a little kid with an ice cream cone. And you know what I mean by that. Because when he was a kid, he didn’t have an ice cream cone, he said, “He’d even lick the other guys fingers that handled the hamburger.” [Bro. Vayle chuckles] 39. It wasn’t quite that bad, but he sure licked his own fingers, you know for that old hamburger, that he used to love with those fried onions, that was great. See? Well, that’s the way he was with the Word. If he heard anybody taking the Word, he’d just be like a kid again with a hamburger. And that’s wonderful, that’s the way to be. That’s what every minister ought to be. In other words, he ministers the mystery, he has his office, in order to produce the Word for the people, so that they might know where they stand. What’s it all about, as far as you can ever know. Because remember, we’re still limited. I don’t care who he is. Remember, Bro. Branham categorically stated, “Even the prophet did not know many times, what God showed them.” And I know that he must have died with some things that God didn’t fully reveal. Which doesn’t matter, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be held against him. It just been positively the truth. That he brought us the mysteries, they're all revealed to us by what he brought us in the Seven Seals. The Seven Thunders they're there, but, there were no doubt, some things he puzzled about. Not from a Scriptural viewpoint. Although maybe he didn’t explain them all. Like Paul, how could he explain everything, you’re not God. See? But there would be things there that he he would wonder about, because he himself said so. 40. Now, also point number Seven; certain mysteries, are necessarily reserved for a certain season. And cannot be made known, until it is time for the manifestation. Now, that’s very important. Certain mysteries are necessarily reserved for a certain season. In other words, remember when Paul the apostle, said the Gentiles should be fellow heirs with the household of the saints. Now, when could that be revealed? It could not be revealed until God was through with the Hebrews…with Israel. 41. And Paul said, “Now, Acts 13: 44-46 (44) And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. Now, they came to hear the Word of God. (45) But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Remember when Bro. Branham went to Jonesborough…he went to Mississippi. That they had a meeting, in this town of a population of six thousand. And as he preached there, people came from so many miles, that pretty soon there was a crowd of thirty thousand. Everywhere Bro. Branham went with that great ministry…the great gift he had, I told you about last night, how he could guarantee healings. …?... he knew he could. God had given him that power. They came by the thousands and thousands, and the people were so mad, they spoke against the Word of God that he preached. Now, (46) Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: (a Jew) but seeing (you) put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. Now remember, the Gentiles could not be turned to, until it was time. So therefore, there are mysteries in the Word of God, which cannot be revealed. In other words, doctrine, teaching, that which is necessary to bring the Bride altogether. Because remember, we’re forming the body of Christ, as a mother forms a babe in the womb. See? We’re not all yet completed, we’re growing up into it. And so, everything comes in its own season. 42. This revelation is for the Bride, that she might never be deceived. See? Because, every Age, gets the revelation, so, she cannot be deceived. So, the gates of hell cannot prevail against her. This is the same thing we found over here in 2 Thessalonians 2: [3] (3) Let no man deceive you by any means: … Now, how is he going to be stopped from being deceived? They have got to be told the truth, so when something comes that is not the truth, then they know just where they stand. All right. That’s exactly what Paul does here. He tells them the actual truth. Now, what is the truth for our day? It is the Roman Catholic takeover of the Protestant built image, not communism. Now, we’ve been told, so that when it does come, we won’t be fooled. Otherwise, you would be fooled. This is a secret of the Bride’s ability to stay away from deception….is the revelation of the Word for her Age. Right? Now, you see, how I go through ages. Now, Bro. Branham said, “It’s the Word for every age.” So, the gates of hell, which is death, …spiritual death, cannot prevail against her. 43. Now, the Eighth point, and the final point of all these points on mystery. On the condition pertaining to mystery. There’s conditions laid down. See? There has to be the same kind of manifested vindication, to prove…there’d have to be some kind of manifested vindication. The same at both ends. But some kind of manifested vindication, to prove to which one it is that God is giving the true revelation of the mystery, or the doctrine to the Bride. Now, let’s notice how it starts out in 1 Corinthians. Paul brought it in 1 Corinthians 2: (1) And I, brethren, when I came to you, …with excellency of speech or of (my own) wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. Now, many people can do that right today. Clever men, they’re brilliant men. And my they can preach it, they can preach up a storm. And they’re clever preachers too. They’re good preachers. Now notice. (2) For I determined not to know anything among you, save Christ, and him crucified. Now right here Paul tells us, that he was determined to lay down the same thing that he had, that these men have. He wouldn’t use what they had. You’ve got to preach Christ, and Him crucified. Which is ridiculous, because God said, “Never sacrifice a human being.” And now God is sacrificing a human being. (3) And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. Now, notice the man, this is his condition. No great big loud mouthed, blow off. You know, “I’ll show you how things are done.” (4) And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, (“I didn’t dress it up”, he said) but (it came) in (the) demonstration of Spirit and of power: 44. You know, that all the greatest men of God, with the greatest ministries, were very poor preachers. Moses, Jesus, Paul, and William Branham. They never were great preachers, that is with the ability to project and talk smooth, and aptly, and all. Moses had an impediment. Paul had an impediment. And William Branham was uneducated, and not able to project. Like, when they asked the question. “Bro. Branham, is it too late to win souls?” “Oh mercy,” he said,“I even suggest a thing like that?” He sure did. It sure sounded like everything was all over…but, cutting the last head off of the last chicken. We always had thought that that was already done. Every chicken was in the pot, we kind of figured. By the time he spoke on some of those Seals, in 'Souls in Prison Now' [63-11-10] rather. Oh sure… I didn’t…what it was…the inability to project the thought exclusively to what he was talking about. He seemed to have covered the whole field. He was not talking of the whole field. He was covering an exclusive point on the thought of grace. And we were foolish enough to think he was covering another element. He wasn’t, he was covering the specific point at that place, but because he couldn’t express himself, it kind of flew to pieces, like a clock with a spring wound too tight, then break. Well that’s the way the gospels are written… that's the way the whole Bible’s written. 45. If I tried to read the Book of Isaiah chronologically, I would be condemned, because, I would be a fool to be preaching it today. I should have wasted my whole life having a ball. Eating the best I could, living the best I could, having a ball. Because according to Isaiah, not one Gentile gets saved until the Millennium is over. Until the New Jerusalem comes on down. You say, “Well you know that’s not true.” You see what it is, it’s a mystery. And it takes the Spirit of God to discern it, and to place it, to categorize it, establish it, and you’ve got it. Without the Spirit of God, you’ll never do it. You just never will do it. So, you see, science won’t do this thing. Now, your faith is not going to stand in, in the wisdom of man, but what, Christ the power of God. [1 Corinthians 2:] (6) Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: … Now, he said, “Those that believe that I teach, (He said) they’re just catch their flight back, they're initiated, they know the Word. (6) ... yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to (nothing): 46. Anything else, will come to nothing. Only the revealed Word of God, will stand. And so therefore, you can see if you’re built upon anything but the true revealed vindicated Word, you haven’t got It. “I spoke with tongues.” I don’t care if you spoke with a million tongues. “Well I’ll tell ya, I’m ready to die for Christ.” I don’t care if you die several deaths. That’s not going to do it for you. See? It won’t work. It’s got to be the revealed Word of Almighty God. And notice, they said this Word, hidden Word, which God ordained before the world, unto our glory. There’s only one way to get the glory of God, to give Him the glory. And that is through the revealed Word. Which none of the princes of this world, the rulers didn’t know. Those in authority didn’t know for had they known it, they’d not have killed the Lord of glory. They would not have killed the very One that brought the glory. And they killed Him, because they didn’t know the Word. As Bro. Branham said, “Jesus, came according to the Word, but not according to their interpretation of It.” And that’s what you’ve got right today. You see more maybe a little later on. But here’s the picture then as you see it. 47. Now with this Colossians 1:26-27. Let’s read 25, he said: (25) Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; My, here’s this man fulfilling the very Word of God, and the people receiving this truth, fulfilling It. (26) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages (generation from generation), but now is made manifest to his saints: (27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ … Notice what he’s doing? It’s the teaching that’s doing it. That’s bringing the perfection. (29) Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. 48. Now, you notice here that Paul’s vindication, that he was the one to bring the message, started out in the First Age, and he gave the Word based upon the fact that he was vindicated by God. And you’ll know yourself, that this follows in line with Scripture, because Moses was vindicated by God. The first thing that God said to Moses was, “Alright, what’s in your hand?” He said, “It’s a rod.” He said, “Throw it down.” It turned into a snake. He said, “Take it by the tail.” He took it by the tail, and it turned into a rod. Then He said, “Put your hand in your bosom.” “Pull it out.” It was leprous. “Put it back in, and pull it out.” It was whole again. He sent him down with signs, and wonders, and miracles. See? But then remember, that when he got through with the signs, and wonders, and miracles, the Word test still stood. Yes sir. Because, God sent him down, and He said, “Moses, now when you go down there, you’re going to notice…I’m going to deliver Israel with a high hand, but (He said) they’re going to turn you down flat.” And Moses went down there, did the signs and wonders to Pharaoh, and Pharaoh said, “Drop dead, you bunch of useless bums. (He said,) I see I’m not working you hard enough.” He said, “If you’ve got time enough to look around here and think and fuss around, and get these crazy screwy ideas about religion,” he said, “Find your own straw.” And Moses went back and said, “God, You didn’t only not deliver, You made it worse.” God said, “Shut up, I told you I was going to do it.” Right back to the Word, are you going to believe the Word, or aren’t you going to believe the Word? See? Now, pardon my way of saying things, but I say it that way to get it across. Just to let you know, you don’t fool around with God. See? And you don't, you’ve got to come back to that Word. Every sign and wonder, and miracle that Paul did, and Moses did, was to take them back to the Word. And then, if you take the signs and wonders and miracles and leave the Word, you’re stuck. Just what I said last night. You’re stuck. See? You’re stuck, I don’t care what anybody says. Which is, I’ll show you today, is a trap that we’re going into. 49. So, the vindication started with Paul. This perfectly revealed wisdom in mystery for their day, brought forth a virgin of the Word, Bride. Oh…ho. Well that’s a good one. In 2 Corinthians 11:2 (2) For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. (3) But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his (smartness, his) subtilty, (See?) so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. Now, watch this, and watch this carefully. Now, It says here, (3) …. as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, … Now, what was the word ‘subtle’ more, subtle? The word ‘subtle’ comes from the Hebrew word, ‘ahra’ which means smooth. Smooth-skinned. See? And it’s a skin that’s the area of sexual sensation. It’s the area of almost all sensation. And the serpent, was the only one of all God’s creation, that was sexually precocious. Do you follow me? Adam wasn’t. Eve wasn’t. The serpent alone, was sexually precocious. And he used all of his ability to seduce her. Now listen, God through Paul, likened the human mind, to sexual precociousness. What is it, pre-coffied? I don’t even know the word yet. But that’s what it is, that knowledge. See? So, now he warns you…watch your minds. Watch your minds. That’s where the fall takes place. In other words, your mind is precocious. It’s clever, it’s smart, it reasons, it thinks, it analyzes, synthesizes, tears it apart, puts it together, looks at it, examines it. And says, “I can see the way it’s going.” And you’re a million miles off track. See? In other words, you will be betrayed by your own mind. Not somebody else. Your own mind will seduce you, and lead you right into sin. 50. Now, God says here to the apostle Paul, the First Age was given a virgin Bride to Christ, and she was absolutely espoused to one Husband. Now, if she takes any other man, she becomes the wife…she becomes an adulteress, because she’s espoused to one, and living with the other. Exactly what Eve was. God presented Eve to Adam, and gave her to Adam, and she gave herself to the serpent. So, she was an adulteress, because she had a husband, and lived with another man. Now, I know the first man had not touched her, but she was still his wife. Now, here you’ve got the picture here. If you go fooling around, with anything other than the unadulterated Word of God, you become involved in spiritual adultery. And putting away by Almighty God. Now, Paul’s fear comes to pass, according to what we read this morning in Acts 20: The wolves in sheep clothing came in. According to what he has said in 1 John 2:18. That there be many antichrist's already in the world, and so on. 51. Let’s just get that in 1 John 2: He warns you of course, if you’ve got the anointing, where you don’t need to stumble. But they will stumble though. He said here, (18) Little children, it is the last time: and as (you) have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; … Now, what’s this fellow at the end-time the mystery of iniquity? He’s antichrist. Right? Well, they’ve already got …those rascals, back here. Already, little antichrists. Already has come, many of them. (18) …whereby we know that it is the last time. What last time? Well it’s in the last days. It’s not the last age. It’s the last time. In other words, God is doing this thing now that started, and it’s going to end up here, in our day. (19) They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they (no doubt) would (have stayed) with us: but they went out, that (it) might be made manifest that they were not … of us. Now, remember this is what happened in the First Church Age. They went out and left the Bride, but from now on, the Bride will come out and leave them. It’s reversed. Because God must now begin to restore, you know, by revelation, in every Age. And when the original revelation is lost, then God will do it piece meal, and they’ll come out by the Word. See? 52. Also, over here in 1 John 4:6 (6) We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. The spirit of truth and the spirit of error, it depends on who’s saying it. So therefore, the vindicated prophet like John, could say, "if you don’t hear me, you don’t hear God." That’s what Jesus said, "if you don’t hear Me, you don’t hear God." He said, "the reason you don’t hear Me is because you’re not of God." So, the people don’t hear the Word, because they are not of God. Now, notice also, thus the church goes into error with no vindicated prophet to bring her back to original purity. See? We start with vindication. We come down to error coming in. Truth goes out the window. Now, who’s going to bring her back to her purity? Nobody can do it, because there’s no prophet until the end-time. Not one man from Paul’s departure, had the true revelation of the entire Word. See? 53. But God, gave the necessary revelation for each age, as is seen in the Church Ages, through the various messengers…we read that a while ago…and is foretold, this would be so, by Titus 1: (1) Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the (knowledge) of the truth which is after godliness; In other words, notice, to the faith in God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness. Remember what I talked about last night in godliness, and righteousness? The unadulterated truth. Proving that you’re one of the Elect. Now, (2) In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; (3) But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; Now, that 3rd verse literally translated as ‘if’, but in its own private and strategic season. And He made known His Word in a proclamation, which I was entrusted, in accordance with the command of God. Now, Bro. Branham brings out the same thing in [Trying to Do God a Service Without It Being God’s Will.' [65-11-27] Page 16 Paul the apostle here said, “That in God’s own private and strategic season, He made known the Word.” God making known the Word. And in every age, bringing revelation, and in every generation, bringing the truth to bring out the seed. Because always there’s a revival in every single generation. 54. Now, then God promised for the last days, a complete revelation of the Word. Now, watch this. Revelation 10:7 (7) But in the days of the voice of the seventh (Church) angel, when he shall begin to sound, (on the gospel trumpet) the mystery of God should be finished, as (God) hath declared (the good news of the gospel by) his servants the prophets. In other words, the entire revelation which lies in the gospel, will be brought to an end, through its full manifestation at the end-time. There is going to be a full revelation, at the end- time. 55. This of course, necessitates a brand-new vindication, which takes place in Luke 17: It’s going to take a brand-new vindication now, because, once more the whole truth comes into view. And this takes place according to Luke 17:26-30 (26) And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. It doesn’t say the coming of the Son of man, it says in the days of the Son of man. (27) They (ate), they drank, they married wives, they (gave) in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. (28) Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they (ate), they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; (29) But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. (30) Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. In other words, the Son of man is going to be revealed again, but not the Son of man Himself, in person. As it was in the days of Noah, as it was in the days of Lot, the days returned, but the people don’t return. So, as Noah does not come back, and as Lot does not come back, and as Sodom does not come back, and the destroyed world does not come back. So, in this day, there’s going to be duplication of the historical fact, and what went on. But not the people. But Jesus Christ doesn’t come back. But the ministry comes back. The Sodomites don’t come back. New Sodomites come on the scene. The old corruption doesn’t come back. The new corruption is on the scene. It’s a complete parallel going on, and with it of course, the ministry of the Son of man, coming back to earth, is through the vindicated prophet. See? You all know that any-way, that would take hours to go into. It is now time for Matthew 17:11 of which It says. He will correct the errors. Now, the German translation, is better than ours. And It comes from the Greek. It doesn’t [say], “Elijah will restore," it's he will correct the errors. 56. And also, It says over here in Acts 3: It says, (21) … the heaven(s) must receive (Jesus) until the times of (restoration) of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets … It’s an absolute restoration of the Word. Now, there’s only one reason why the Word is restored, and that is for our glory. And our glory is to be part of the Bride. Which is the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. So, that’s our glory coming up. See? 57. Now, to bring this whole Word into view, the Spirit of God does it through Revelation 10:1, which you all know already. (1) And I saw another mighty (messenger)come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: This is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, descending as a Pillar of Fire to the earth, because His feet are pillars of fire, and they come back on earth. Where there is Pillar of Fire, there has got to be a prophet. Which is the 7th verse. This is for the sake of the Bride, to bring her back to virginity. See? Remember the Bride, if she is the body of Christ, and Christ is Alpha and Omega, then the Bride must be Omega, as she was Alpha. If she were a virgin back there under the full revelation of the vindicated Word of God, then once more she must be again a virgin under the full revelation of the vindicated Word of God, it can’t be otherwise. So, she is under that. 58. What does this do for her? It brings her to Revelation 22:18-19. (18) For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: (19) And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, … Now remember, only those in the Lamb’s Book of life, will be able to be in that Rapture, nobody else. Only those who don’t add to the Word, will be in that Rapture, the rest of them will go into the plagues. So therefore, this Word ensures the Bride of her part in the First Resurrection, and in the Rapture. Just as Bro. Branham said, “This Message will put the Bride in a Rapture, and bring the dead out of the graves.” 59. Now, the Final point I’m dealing with this morning, on these conditions. It is at this time, some truly great mystery spoken of by the apostle Paul, come into full view. And only at this time. No other time could it come into full view. And it’s at this time, we’re on the verge of seeing the antichrist revealed, which is the man of sin, destined for this day, in human flesh. Now, was cut off here. Now, going back over what we're taught. The Word of God mentions that there are mysteries. These mysteries are not all categorized. For instance, there’s a mystery of iniquity. Is that the same as the mystery of the man of sin? Is that the same as serpent seed? I don’t know. They are all part and parcel. But when you boil it down, you’ll find this, that the mysteries are not something which cannot be known. See? It is literally, the revealed, magnificent, doctrinal truth, of the Word of God. Just what it says in Revelation 10:7. At the end-time, the prophet is going to come, and he is going to bring all the mysteries of God, to completion. 60. Which is what It says in Acts 3: 21 where It says, (21) … (That) which (is) spoken by the mouth of all (the) holy prophets (shall be restored.) Putting it together, you see, we have an end-time revelation ministry, of the true doctrinal Word of Almighty God. So, the Word does not cut across Word, but all Word blends, (See?) bringing a Word Bride into figure, and form at the end of this Age. And this is truly what a mystery is. A mystery is nothing more or less but the truth, doctrinal truth, lying within the Word of God, that comes into manifestation at certain particular periods of time. And as I said already, that we’re at the end-time when the mystery of iniquity is going to be brought into its final consummation. See? It’s got to come, because if it doesn’t come, then of course, there cannot be a Rapture. Before the Bride goes, there absolutely has got to be a man living on this earth that is going to be the antichrist. He already is, but hasn’t been inhabited yet. Just as Judas. Remember, Judas was born an ordinary human being. And then he was destined to be the antichrist of his day. 61. And Jesus said, concerning him in John 6:70 He said, “…One of you is the devil.” (70) (He said,) Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? Now, this is exactly where we stand today, God said, “At the end-time there is going to be many people. Many are called, but few are chosen. There are going to be many Christs, they’re false, but there’s going to be a true one.” He said, “I’ve chosen them all.” And they all have something to do. So, we’re at this very end-time now, where we see what we’ve come to, what the mystery is. And as I say, we’ll discuss that very mystery as we have the time this afternoon, we’ll go into it as we can. But in the meantime, I thought it wise to give you a picture of what a mystery really is. So, you open your mind and see, that it boils down to what we’ve always talked about all morning, it is a Word of God, revealed in its season. Maybe you don’t get it perfectly, so, every little point is just like you could draw a picture. But you believe it, and you understand it. Because the Word of God no longer cuts across the Word of God. See? It’s brought to the right channels, and it’s to build you up, to give you a perfect faith, restore to you right back to where you want to be. See? All of these things are in here. Now, you may want to play the tape more than once to get the point. And no doubt would do you some good to just keep going over these things, until they become clearer, to see what we’re into, because this is what we’re here at the end-time. All right. The Lord bless you, and I guess around 2:00 - 2:30 whatever time it is we finish dinner, we’ll go back to the study of God’s Word. Gracious Heavenly Father, we thankful, Lord, for allowing us to be here at this particular time. To come into Your Word, Lord, to understand It. To see my God, these things are not great mysteries, that people might try to keep as something so imponderable, or something we cannot know. Even if some would try to tell us now, we cannot know, that I do not believe that’s true, Lord. But I believe we’re supposed to know all of the mysteries. And I don’t believe, Lord, that Your servant William Branham, came to compound the problem. I don’t believe he came to add some of his own ideas. And then, get us into more problems than we ever had before. But by way of his teaching, he actually opened up to us, all the mysteries that there were in Your Word, and to be revealed and consummated, so that You could come. Everything, O God, You show us for this day, and I believe we’ll have no problem. Because by the Holy Spirit, it was meant to be, known to us, in order to put us in the proper position whereby we can be amongst them that are Raptured. So grant, Lord, that Your people may have increasing rest, and faith, and peace in the Reality that has been given us, because truly we saw Reality. Just like John said, “Our hands have handled, and our eyes have seen.” And we surely were conversant with, and saw full manifestation of that Word of life. At this end-time, Lord, we saw the very same thing. We saw the vindicated ministry, by the prophet who had ‘Thus Saith The Lord’. And we know, Lord, what he said was right. Help us, O God, to be simple enough, to accept It, and walk in It,, until we become ‘It,’. And ‘It,’ becomes us. As he said, Word turning to flesh, and flesh turning to Word. Until that original spoken seed…the Word, becomes that manifested Word, down here to glorify Thy Name. Oh, what a privilege it would be, Lord, to be in that, what a great thing O God, to be counted a part of this. Now unto Thee, Lord now because You’ve given us the opportunity in hearing, we ascribe all the honor and all the praise, and we thank You for it, in Jesus’ wonderful Name. Do you want to start that chorus today, “We’ll Walk in the Light.” Mystery of Iniquity # 2 (1372) Page PAGE \* MERGEFORMAT 1